With the recent success of Malayalam dubbed versions of pan-India movies, the demand and popularity of the Malayalam dubbing industry are skyrocketing. This blog post dives into the journey of the industry, its challenges, and the experiences of voice artists who bring these films to life.
The Evolution of Dubbing
Dubbing movies into Malayalam isn’t a new trend. Classic films like Sankarabharanam (1980), Sagara Sangamam (1983), and Geethanjali (1989) paved the way for the current wave of dubbed movies. However, the literal translation of dialogues often led to a lack of synchronization with the actor’s delivery on-screen.
According to senior dubbing artist Shobi Thilakan, the release of Baahubali: The Beginning was a game changer. “It changed the translation process to transcription, ensuring the soul of the dialogue wasn’t lost,” he explains. This meticulous approach involved multiple people at every stage, ensuring high-quality dubbing.
The OTT Boom
The rise of OTT platforms post-pandemic has significantly increased the reach and acceptance of regional content. Platforms now formally designate dubbing directors to manage the entire dubbing process, ensuring a higher standard of quality. Director Roby Varghese Raj of Kannur Squad notes that dubbing into regional languages increases a movie’s visibility and reach.
Despite this, some viewers still prefer original versions with subtitles. Mahesh Kunjumon, a mimicry artist turned voice actor, points out that there’s no outright rejection of dubbed versions, though poor-quality dubs can drive audiences away.
Challenges in the Industry
Sreeja Ravi, a senior dubbing artist and director, highlights issues such as literal translations, insufficient supervision, and limited budgets that affect the quality of dubbing. Low budgets for OTT releases compared to theatrical ones often prevent studios from hiring top-quality artists and result in fewer voice actors covering multiple characters.
Dubbing director Mufthash Maheen explains that insufficient funds impact the entire production, from paying for studio rent to hiring scriptwriters and lyricists. “Compromising on quality due to budget constraints affects our credibility,” he says.
Sreeja shares a recent experience where a team asked her not to focus on quality due to budget limitations. “I told them I would not compromise on quality regardless of the budget,” she asserts.
Lack of Recognition
Voice artists face a lack of formal recognition for their work. Shobi Thilakan recalls that while dubbing for a Malayalam movie takes a day, dubbing for other languages can take up to five days. Despite their efforts, these artists often don’t receive acknowledgment in end credits.
Sreeja emphasizes the importance of awards in encouraging high-quality dubbing. Social media has become a platform for recognition, where fans appreciate and share the works of dubbing artists. Priya Lekshmi, a dubbing artist and director, points to the success of the Malayalam dubbed version of Ponniyin Selvan and other series as evidence of growing acceptance.
Moving Forward
Formal recognition and awards for dubbing could significantly boost the industry’s quality and morale. As Mufthash notes, while there are challenges in awarding dubbed content, the efforts and struggles of voice artists deserve acknowledgment. These artists entertain many across cinema halls, television channels, and streaming platforms, and their contributions should be celebrated.
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